The Neighborhood

There are no standard sizes of fireplace openings in the US, so it’s important to measure your opening size carefully to achieve a proper fit. Here are some tips for finding the right sized screen for your fireplace.

For Square Fireplaces:

Step 1.

Measure the width of the opening from inside the face of the opening at both the top and bottom.

Step 2.

Measure the height from the hearth surface (where the screen will sit) to the top of the opening at both the left and right sides of the fireplace.

If the measurements are different, go by the largest number to be sure the screen will cover the opening completely.

TIP: Measure the distance between any trim at the sides and top of the opening to be sure the screen will cover the opening, but not run into or overlap the trim pieces.

For Arched Fireplaces:

Step 1.

For an arched fireplace opening, measure the height of the opening at the center as well as at both sides of the arch to get a clear idea of how the screen will cover the opening.

Step 2.

To ensure you have about an inch or more of overlap for the screen at the face of the fireplace opening, choose a screen that is at least one inch taller than the height and two inches wider than the width of the fireplace opening for a safe, attractive fit.

Step 3.

The two screen sizes most commonly available are 39” wide by 31” high and 44” wide by 33” high. If your fireplace opening will not fit in the range of those two sizes, you may consider getting a custom screen made to precisely fit your opening.

TIP: Keep in mind that measuring for your fireplace screen will depend on whether you want a single or multi-paneled fireplace screen. Single panel fireplace screens should match the measurements of your fireplace’s firebox, with an additional 1 to 3 inches added to the total height, to ensure total coverage. Multi-panel fireplace screens need extra length to create the decorative, curved effect, so you should add an additional 10 to 12 inches to the total length and 3 to 5 inches to the total height when measuring the firebox.

Need help, or would like to review custom screen options? Visit plowandhearth.com or call 1-800-866-6072 for further information or to place an order. For help measuring your fireplace, visit your nearest Plow & Hearth Retail Store.

The Olla: A Brief History

Olla (Spanish, pronounced “oh-ya”) jars have been around since ancient times. Made of unglazed ceramic, ollas traditionally have short, narrow necks with wider bodies, and are made in a variety of shapes. They have been used for thousands of years for cooking, storage, and plant irrigation.

When used to irrigate plants, an olla is buried neck-deep in the ground near a plant’s roots, with the opening of the olla extended above the soil so that it can be filled with water periodically. The porous walls of the unglazed pottery allow the water to seep through gradually, constantly and consistently hydrating the plants without overwatering them – and without wasting precious water to evaporation or runoff.

The use of ollas for irrigation was introduced to the American Southwest by Spanish conquistadors during Colonial times, becoming very common among Native American tribes and Hispanic settlers. Though the technique gave way to more modern methods of irrigation some time ago, its superior efficiency, coupled with its simplicity, has caused it to make a comeback. Though the technique has changed little since its introduction, today’s ollas are usually capped off, making them even more water-efficient.

Perfect for home gardens, Ollas are a super-easy, eco-friendly, less time-consuming way to water annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables and plants of all kinds in dry, sandy soil, very hot or drought-prone areas, raised beds, and even pots, planters and hanging baskets. Fill the olla before you leave on a short vacation to enjoy worry-free watering – and a smaller water bill!